Sensory Processing and Anxiety
Today we are going to discuss Anxiety in relation to Sensory Processing. If you are still a bit unsure about what Sensory Processing is, you can read more about it in this blog, or watch my YouTube video on Sensory Processing Disorder from the podcast here or here for an older but shorter one.
Anxiety is so widely discussed and is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Among those most affected by anxiety are children and individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Understanding the unique challenges they face is crucial for providing effective support and learning how to manage these symptoms.
But first, let’s chat about what anxiety is?
Anxiety is a natural response to stress or danger, often described as a feeling of fear or apprehension about what’s to come. While everyone, including children, experience anxiety from time to time – we all know that knot in your stomach before you make a big speech or while anticipating a life-changing event - for some, it becomes overwhelming and constant, leading to an anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of anxiety can include:
Other Causes of Anxiety
It’s important to note that other things can lead to anxiety beside or as well as, sensory processing. Here are some to consider:
Genetics: A family history of anxiety disorders can increase the likelihood of a child developing anxiety. If not treated, this will follow them into adulthood.
Environment: Stressful or traumatic events, such as parental divorce or bullying, can trigger anxiety.
Parenting Style: Overprotective or overly critical parenting can contribute to a child's anxiety. This too can be carried into adulthood.
School/Work Pressure: Academic performance and social dynamics at school/work can be significant sources of stress.
Causes of Anxiety in Individuals with SPD
Sensory Overload: Everyday environments can become overwhelming, leading to constant anxiety about encountering distressing stimuli.
Social Challenges: Difficulty in interpreting social cues can result in anxiety about social interactions.
Routine Disruptions: Individuals with SPD often rely on routines to manage sensory input, and changes can cause large amounts of anxiety, even when the changes are known in advance and especially when they aren’t.
Self-Esteem Issues: Ongoing struggles with sensory processing can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, increasing anxiety.
Strategies for Managing Anxiety in Children and Individuals with SPD
- Getting individual feedback will help you understand manage anxiety from Sensory needs, book a call if you would like to chat to us about how we can help.
- Creating a Safe Environment is really important: For those with SPD, minimize sensory overload by creating sensory-friendly spaces.
- Routine and Predictability are important to keeping anxiety low where possible.
- Relaxation Techniques can help when needing some help with unavoidable anxiety.
- Some tools can also help with tactile feedback and regulation in situations where anxiety needs a physical outlet. We have many recommendations on the Amazon Affiliate page, or join on a call to see which items might help more for your specific need.
- Encourage practices such as deep breathing, meditation, and calming techniques to manage stress and anxiety.
- Programmes to help. There are many apps and online programmes that can soothe your anxiety and even reduce it. We have an affiliate partnership with a company called the Listening programme which have an anxiety reducing effect when used daily, which we offer to members..
- Education and Awareness: Educate family, friends, and educators about anxiety and SPD to encourage understanding.
Professional Support:
Seek help from mental health professionals when anxiety becomes overwhelming or persistent.
Occupational Therapy: either online, like with the Sensory Super System® or in person can be very beneficial. Understanding the sensory triggers that lead to anxiety can help you manage them more effectively. The SSS provides all you need to be able to assess, understand and work on managing these.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This can be very effective for managing anxiety caused by negative thought patterns.